Our 2027 Speaker

Who is Matt Canlis?

Reverend Matt Canlis is an Anglican priest, author, and pastor best known for his work on relational theology and "living at Godspeed"—a movement focused on slowing down to live at the pace of being fully known by God and one's neighbors. He currently serves as the lead rector of Trinity Church in Wenatchee, Washington.

Early Ministry & The Scottish Discovery

Raised in Seattle, Canlis initially set out to pursue church leadership through traditional theological channels. He and his wife, Dr. Julie Canlis, moved to Vancouver, Canada, for seminary studies before relocating to Scotland, where Julie pursued her Ph.D. in Theology at the University of St Andrews.

During their 13 years in Scotland, Canlis served as a minister at Methlick Parish Church in rural Aberdeenshire.Accustomed to the fast-paced, program-driven style of North American church leadership, Canlis experienced a profound shift while pastoring the 1,600-year-old parish. Forced to abandon his car for a bicycle and foot travel, he discovered that true pastoral work was grounded in presence: walking the parish, knowing people by name, and participating in everyday community life outside of Sunday services.

The Godspeed Project & Literature

Canlis's experiences in Scotland, alongside mentorship from theologians Eugene Peterson and N. T. Wright, inspired the creation of the Godspeed concept.

• The Godspeed Documentary: Canlis co-created with Danny Lund Godspeed: The Pace of Being Known, a short documentary film detailing his transition from an ambitious pastor to someone who embraces the relational pace of Jesus (who "walked at three miles an hour").
• Books & Curricula: He authored Godspeed Pilgrim: 40 Days of Being Re-parented by the Trinity (a local devotional walking from Genesis to John's Gospel in your own backyard) and The Godspeed Study Guide (8 week video and small group study).

Current Work at Trinity Church

After returning to the United States, Canlis stepped into the role of lead rector at Trinity Church in Wenatchee, WA.There, he practices the principles of "parish ministry"—encouraging congregants to focus on their local physical geography, slowing down, and cultivating relationships within their neighborhood boundaries.

He and Julie live in Washington, balancing local parish ministry, writing, and organizing summer theological retreats in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Watch this GodSpeed Documentary short clip for a look into Rev. Matt Canlis's story and his vision for living at the "pace of being known."